Four must-see Outdoor Markets to Visit in Israel!

Four Outdoor Markets to Visit in Israel

Outdoor Markets are a staple in Israel!

Fruit at the Machane Yehuda Market

Food is an important part of every culture. The items that residents consume and the traditions they create around food tell an important story. The artwork they create and items they show and sell can also tell travelers much about a country and enrich travel experiences. If you’re a food lover or just want to embrace Israel’s culture, these outdoor markets are not to be missed.

Machane Yehuda, Jerusalem

If you’re looking for a food experience, then Machane Yehuda, one of the most popular markets in the city of Jerusalem, is a must-see. You can wander through on your own, stopping to taste your way through the market with the Machane Yehuda Shuk Bites card – these vouchers make exploration easy. If you don’t want to wander alone, you can take a group tour, or take part in a cooking workshop. Guides take you on the classic market tour, which gives an overview of the markets offerings; there’s also a specialized tour of bakeries along the market route. For those who love to cook, there is a cooking workshop, which is led by a trained chef. That chef will walk you through your shopping and then teach you to prepare an Israeli dish.

The Old City Souk – Jerusalem’s Arab Market

In the Old City of Jerusalem, the Arab Market offers a little of everything. You’ll be able to wander freely through open air shops, interact with self-styled guides who offer a variety of tours, and sample freshly made breads and other foods. In the Arab Market, if you’re patient, you’ll learn the fine art of haggling. In the market, people of many backgrounds interact – Christian, Jewish, Russian and English, among other cultures and nationalities – and visit regularly.

Carmel Market

Billed as the largest food and vegetable market in the country, the Carmel Market, as it is known, could be an adventurous eater’s dream. This bright, noisy market is busy and is a place to create lasting memories. You can find Bourekas – a warm cheese, potato and spinach-filled pastry – sausages and meat, at different open stands. If you’re more likely to enjoy a restaurant-cooked meal, there are several throughout the market. If baked gods are on your mind, stop at Lechanim for freshly-baked breads and pastries. The Carmel Market also has an Asian Supermarket, where you’ll find ingredients for sushi or curry dishes.

Nahalat Binyamin Arts and Crafts Market

Near the edge of the Carmel Market, you’ll find the Nahalat Binyamin Arts and Crafts Market. Whether you’re looking to purchase artwork, pieces of Judaic or jewelry, or just to meet artists, this I the place to find and do those things. You’ll have a choice of more than 200 artist and vendors. Open twice each week, this market is a primary sales point for some, while others also show and sell their pieces in galleries. A walk through this market also shows off the beautiful architecture of one of Tel Aviv’s oldest districts.